apse

noun

ˈaps 

1

: apsis sense 1

2

: a projecting part of a building (such as a church) that is usually semicircular in plan and vaulted

Examples of apse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Gozzoli frescoes, which occupy a high octagonal apse in San Francesco, had the same warmth and intimacy of the artist’s Magi paintings. —Peter Terzian, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2024

By the time of Gaudí’s death in 1926, the Sagrada Familia was just 10 to 15 percent complete, including a crypt, a transept, and some of the apse wall. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2024

But today, only Maria Miranda wasps inhabit the crumbling apse of her church. —Catherine Fairweather, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024

An ambulatory — aisles for walking typically placed around the apse — was added to the building, bringing its total length to about 180 feet. —Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

shortening of apsis, perhaps by analogy with base entry 1 : basis

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

apse

noun

ˈaps 

: a part of a building (as a church) that sticks out from one end of the building, is usually semicircular, has an arched roof, and is often richly decorated especially in Gothic churches